fauna is about the things we love: eating and drinking with friends and family in a fun space. Our menu is seasonally driven and we support local farmers and producers wherever possible. We love the neighborhood and the space and are so happy to be open in Centretown.

We like to have fun in the kitchen. We serve small plates so you can try more than one dish. We use local ingredients wherever possible. We’re inspired by where we live, places we’ve been and things we’d like to do.

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Dined on March 10, 2020

Overall3Food5Service4Ambience1

The food was a priori excellent. In the appetizers, the octopus, the duck tartar and the scallops were outstanding, as were the beef cheeks in the main courses. Unfortunately, the suckling pig was far too much on the fatty side. Service was attentive and kind. Local was a bit too minimalist, meaning bare tables and no real decor. Waiters in everyday clothing. A restaurant with such high quality food would benefit from a more elegant setting and staff dress.

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Dined on February 29, 2020

Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5

It was my first visit to Fauna and it was recommended to me by my partner's daughter who attends Carleton, works nearby, but had never actually dined in the restaurant. From the moment the three of us walked in, to the last look at the artistry of the dining room as we walked out, it was a superb experience for a seasoned, high-end foodie like myself and it left my partner and her novice-restaurant-goer daughter speechless and awestruck. The farm-to-table menu translated right along through the decor to the server's aprons to the extensive, organic-based wine list. Having the opportunity to share plates equally without pretention, to share my knowledge of wine tasting and oyster-sipping etiquette, and to be given ample time to eat, drink, converse, and admire the natural feel of the restaurant without the usual pressure of over-attentive servers made a wonderful evening as close to perfect as a chilly night in Ottawa allows. Thank you to the Chef, your offerings were delicious and picture-worthy, and thank you to all the service/welcoming staff for taking excellent care of our dining trio.

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Dined on February 23, 2020

Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5

This was my second time to dine at fauna this week, being special occasions of Valentines Day and a birthday. The first dinner was the tasting menu with wine pairing for Valentines Day and it was perfect with much attention given to the accompaniments and presentation. The scallop ceviche and duck tartare were expertly prepared with just the right nuance of herbs and spices for both. Can’t say enough about how good the shrimp stuffed chicken wing was. I had the short ribs which were tender, and oh so good I wasn’t keen to share! The pastry chef presented two amazing selections to finish this perfect dinner. The wine pairing were spot on and I especially enjoyed the High Life cocktail paired with the rosa pannacotta. The dark chocolate pastry was serious chocolate decadence.The second dinner, a birthday dinner, the obvious choice was the 80 day aged ribeye. This presentation was much like a Sunday roast with a fauna twist! Creamy cheese mashed potatoes nestled besides braised Brussel sprouts, onions and carrots. The good portion of ribeye was prepared to perfection and the gravy was a nice surprise..not needed but wow why not! Two delicious deserts finished off the lovely evening served by helpful, friendly servers and the fauna team. The birthday boy was very happy.

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Dined on February 16, 2020

Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5

Our dinner was unbelievable! The menu was simple, yet the food was detailed and delicious. The chef is a true artist. The shitaki mushroom entree was really great. The cocktails were also fun and refreshing choices. Fauna plays great music and the staff was very service orientated. Definitely enjoyed our dinner experience!

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Dined on February 15, 2020

Overall3Food3Service3Ambience4

While the ambiance was nice and the food was good, we were not made aware that we would have to select the Valentine's Day tasting menu (it was the day after Valentine's Day). The server let us know that everyone received a call to let them know, but I did not. He then said we could think about whether or not we wanted to stay. I was taking my sister and husband for to celebrate their birthdays and the option to leave to go to another restaurant at that point was not appealing. They did not offer any compensation for this oversight (e.g. a free cocktail or dessert). We also specifically asked to not have cilantro on anything for my partner given a severe aversion and were reassured that nothing had cilantro. The first course he ordered had cilantro and we had to send it back. Again, there was an apology but no offers of compensation - something that would have gone a long way. The service was overall good, but we would have appreciated them making more of an effort given how expensive the Valentine's Day tasting menu was, something we were not expecting. The food and service did not meet the price tag, which came to $700 for 4 people (including gratuity).

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Dined on February 12, 2020

Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5

Delicious food delivered by excellent service in a stylish environment. The food not only tastes amazing it is also displayed beautifully. The staff are both knowledgeable and attentive. The overall ambiance is perfect for both a romantic date or celebrating a special day with close friends and family.

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Dined on February 7, 2020

Overall4Food3Service2Ambience4

We were early in the night. Told don’t have many hangers for coats? Then get some. Duck was very good...steak no need for the 88 days...vegetables on each could have been much better. Apps - Tuna excellent but needs a vehicle don’t want to use fork as it drops between the blades. Told we couldn’t have too many crisps that we asked for.

Here’s where what I’m saying could be wrongly perceived...I’ve never been there before heard good things my guests from Indiana heard about it - but none of us know your story! What is your story - owners on site - farm to table - how do you age beef 88 days etc. The servers in any restaurant needs to work the table...find out how we got there, what our real thoughts were about each dish, create the right image and manage the expectations or make something change so we feel served. I would be hard pressed to go back if I did it would be for the couple of apps and drinks looked real good. Scale of 1-10 I would give it a 6+

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Dined on February 6, 2020

Overall4Food4Service5Ambience5

The food was very good, the soft shelled crab was a highlight. The in-house chocolate pralines were delectable and, as an aside, the chocolate couverture was tempered perfectly like the chef had a point to prove!

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Dined on February 6, 2020

Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5

It was my first time. Fauna has a beautiful ambiance and the food was delicious!! Our server, Emily, was lovely!!It wasn't busy, so when two other friends joined us, Emily, got us another table. We had a great time. Highly recommend.

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Dined on February 4, 2020

Overall4Food5Service5Ambience4

Wine list was pricey with no Sauvignon Blanc so for those who expect to pay less than 75$ for a bottle, you will be disappointed. Food was great, oysters were fantastic, great service. Portions are on the smaller side. Overall very good but pricey.

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Dined on January 23, 2020

Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5

Fauna is one of my favourite lunch and date night spots. As I have many allergies, their customer service in ensuring my meal is safe for me to eat, goes above and beyond. Friendly staff, wonderful ambiance and delicious food I can't wait to come back and eat more!

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Dined on January 18, 2020

Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5

I’ve been to Fauna twice in recent months, and both times were phenomenal. The service is excellent, the ambiance is comfortable yet chic. The lighting in particular is great - very well designed! Everyone looks their best in this space. The food is superb. They really know what they’re doing here, which reflected in all of the above, as well as in the delicious cocktail menu, extensive wine list, and the desserts.... My new favourite!

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Dined on January 10, 2020

Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5

Delicious food that was served promptly, but did not feel or taste rushed, did I mention it was delicious because it is. Fauna has a beautiful aesthetic that felt both familiar and fresh. The staff was attentive and yet never did they feel intrusive.

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Dined on January 3, 2020

Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5

Fauna served us our best meal on our trip to Ottawa. Outstanding, creative local flavors married with incredible craft cocktails and excellent service. The Fauna team took excellent care of us and we are very grateful for the experience. Fauna will be top of our list to visit again next time we visit. Thank you!

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Dined on December 31, 2019

Overall3Food3Service4Ambience4

I was shocked at the size of the portions for a tasting menu. They were too big to be truly enjoyable, with each item involving almost solely a slab of meat prepared in some odd way. The service was great and the ambiance of the restaurant was great, however the food experience was quite disappointing. The dessert was lovely as the tasting menu was to choose either from Land or Sea - dessert for sea was a play on a coral reef, and also for the first dish not involving meat. My favorite dish by far was the squid ink pasta with lobster. That was a delicious way to incorporate the menu. Everything else was quite average, although my first oyster experience was great as the starter. I’m sure it would be different if I had ordered one meal, but I wouldn’t go back for a tasting menu.

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Dined on December 31, 2019

Overall2Food1Service4Ambience4

The service is exceptional. However, I find the food quality and quantity very poor to warrant a $125 pp price. I don't mind paying a premium for really top notch fine dining. This one was disappointing on my opinion. I can find much better quality in other restaurants for a fraction of the cost.